christmas margarita recipe

Christmas Margarita Recipe – The Ultimate Holiday Cocktail

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If you’re dreaming of a red and green cocktail to match your Christmas decor, look no further than this Christmas margarita recipe — a cheerful, cranberry-infused take on the classic Mexican cocktail. With its tangy lime juice, bold tequila base, and a splash of cranberry for color and holiday flair, it’s the drink you didn’t know your Christmas party needed.

But this isn’t just a gimmick in a glass. The Christmas margarita holds its own — balancing tart, sweet, citrus, and a little bite of alcohol — with a look that’s made for social shares. The garnishes alone (think sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs) make this cocktail worthy of the most magical season of all.

A Quick Note on Margaritas: Where Did They Come From?

Before we dive into the holiday version, let’s toast the original. The classic margarita — tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a salted rim — dates back to the early-to-mid 20th century. Many believe it was invented by a socialite, Margaret “Margarita” Sames, who first mixed one at a holiday party in Acapulco in 1948.

A Christmas margarita recipe pays homage to that history, adding cranberry juice and festive garnishes while preserving the margarita’s clean, refreshing backbone.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Margarita Recipe

  • It takes only 5 minutes to make
  • Beautiful red and green presentation
  • Balanced flavor — not too sweet, not too strong
  • Perfect for batching in pitchers
  • Adaptable — serve on the rocks, frozen, or sparkling
  • Pairs well with savory and sweet holiday dishes

Ingredients for Christmas Margarita Recipe

Single Serving

  • 2 oz silver tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
  • 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes

Garnishes (Optional but Beautiful)

  • Fresh cranberries (sugared or plain)
  • Lime wedge or wheel
  • Rosemary sprig
  • Coarse salt or red/green sugar for the rim

Pitcher for 6 Servings

  • 1½ cups silver tequila
  • ¾ cup triple sec
  • ¾ cup cranberry juice
  • ¾ cup lime juice
  • ¼–⅓ cup simple syrup (to taste)
  • Ice, garnishes as desired
christmas margarita recipe

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Cocktail shaker or mason jar with a lid
  • Jigger or shot glass for measuring
  • Citrus juicer
  • Rocks or margarita glasses
  • Small bowl or plate for rimming glass
  • Optional: cocktail picks or skewers for cranberries

How to Make a Christmas Margarita (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Rim the Glass

Rub a lime wedge along the rim of your glass. Dip the glass into coarse salt, sugar, or a festive mix of both (red/green sugars work great for holiday parties).

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a shaker filled with ice, add the tequila, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Step 3: Shake It

Seal the shaker and shake for 15 seconds until the cocktail is well chilled and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Pour and Garnish

Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with sugared cranberries, a lime wheel, and a sprig of rosemary.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This drink is best served cold and fresh. It’s vibrant, zesty, and completely festive.

How to Make a Pitcher for a Party

Hosting a group? This Christmas margarita recipe is easy to scale:

  1. Mix all liquid ingredients in a large pitcher (excluding ice).
  2. Refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
  3. Stir before serving.
  4. Add lime juice just before pouring for best flavor.
  5. Pour over ice and garnish each glass individually.

Pro Tip: Use frozen cranberries instead of ice to chill without dilution.

Fun Garnishing Ideas for a Holiday Look

  • Sugared cranberries
  • Red and green sugar rim
  • Rosemary sprig
  • Dehydrated lime slices

These simple touches take your Christmas margarita recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Variations of This Christmas Margarita Recipe

  • Spicy Margarita: Add sliced jalapeño or muddle in the shaker.
  • Frozen Christmas Margarita: Blend ingredients with ice until slushy.
  • Sparkling Margarita: Top with club soda or Prosecco.
  • White Christmas Margarita: Use coconut milk and a splash of pineapple juice.

Pairing Suggestions – What to Serve With

Appetizers

  • Baked brie with cranberry compote
  • Goat cheese crostini
  • Spicy shrimp cocktail

Main Dishes

  • Roasted turkey
  • Glazed ham
  • Tamales or enchiladas

Desserts

  • Peppermint bark
  • Cranberry shortbread cookies
  • Sugar cookies with lime glaze

Holiday Hosting Tips for Margarita Success

  • Prep garnishes in advance
  • Offer a mocktail version
  • Set up a DIY margarita bar
  • Use frozen cranberries instead of ice
  • Pre-chill glasses in the freezer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use gold tequila instead of silver?
Yes, though silver tequila offers a cleaner, citrus-friendly taste.

What type of cranberry juice is best?
Use unsweetened for strong tart flavor and vibrant color. Sweetened cranberry cocktail works too but adjust syrup to avoid extra sweetness.

Can I prepare this drink in advance?
Yes. Mix everything except lime juice and ice. Refrigerate and finish just before serving.

How do I make a frozen version?
Blend all ingredients with about 1 to 1.5 cups of ice until smooth.

Can this be non-alcoholic?
Yes. Replace tequila with sparkling water and triple sec with orange juice.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 210
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Alcohol: ~14% ABV
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Final Thoughts

Easy to mix, beautiful to serve, and endlessly adaptable — it deserves a place on every holiday menu.

Whether you’re throwing a party or winding down in front of the fire, raise your glass and toast to a festive season full of flavor.

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